Reaction to Government decision on HMOs

Following the decision by the Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP to amend the rules regarding changes of use in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), Ian Potter, operations manager of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, said:

“We welcome the Housing Minister’s decision to change the rules for HMOs. Not doing so would have added an unnecessary layer of red tape as a further barrier for private landlords. At a time when there is too little housing to meet the needs of the UK, a healthy and progressive Private Rented Sector is key.”

“We recognise that in some areas of the UK, the quality of rented housing stock is a problem, as is anti-social behaviour in other areas. However, local authorities are already well equipped with the power to apply for discretionary licensing where this is an issue. In addition, our own licensing scheme aims to drive up standards across the rental sector.”